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V. The Katipunan and Philippine Revolution of 1896
A. The Katipunan or KKK
The failure of Propaganda Movement and la Liga Filipina led to the founding of
Katipunan or KKK. On the night of July 7, 1892, when José Rizal was banished and exiled to
Dapitan in Mindanao, Andrés Bonifacio, a member of the La Liga Filipina, founded the Katipunan
in a house in Tondo, Manila. He was assisted by his two friends, Teodoro Plata (brother-in-law)
and Ladislao Diwa, plus Valentín Díaz and Deodato Arellano. The Katipunan was founded along
Azcarraga St. (now Claro M. Recto Avenue) near Elcano St. in Tondo, Manila. They named Rizal
honorary president without his knowledge.
KKK, stands for Kataas-taasang Kagalang-galang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan
The word "katipunan," literally means 'association,' comes from the root word "tipon," a Tagalog
word meaning "gather together" or "society.".It was founded by Bonifacio, the father of the
Philippine revolution.It was in a radical platform mainly to secure the Philippine Independence
through armed revolution. Kalayaan is the official newspaper of KKK. It is a secret organization
where members were subjected to the utmost secrecy and were expected to abide with the rules
established by the society. Aspirant applicants were given standard initiation rites to become
members of the society. At first, membership in the Katipunan was only open to male Filipinos;
later, women were accepted in the society. The Katipunan had its own publication, Kalayaan
(Liberty) that had its first and last print on March 1896.
B. The Fundamental Objectives of KKK
1.) Political – it aims for the separation of the Philippines from Spain to establish a republic
after independence.
2.) Civic – it aims to imply the principle of self-help and defense of the poor and the
oppressed.
2.) Moral – it imposes the teaching of good manners, hygiene, good morals, attacking
obscurantism, religious fanaticism and weakness of character.
C. The Structure of Katipunan: Katipunan has three governing bodies
(1) the Katas-taasang Sanggunian or the supreme council
(2) The sangguniang-bayan or provincial council and
(3) the sangguniang balangay or popular council.
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Typess of membership (Katipunan members were divided into three grades):
(1). First grade was called katipon and wore a black hood in the meeting of society.
Their password is Anak ng Bayan.
(2) The second grade was called kawal or soldiers, wore a green hood with a triangle
consisting of white lines. Their password is Gomburza.
(3) The third grade was called Bayani (patriot) wore a red mask and sash with green
borders, symbolizing hope and courage. The password was Rizal. The katipon could
graduate to the Kawal class if he had brought several members into the society,
while the kawal could become a bayani upon being elected an officer of the society.
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D. The Women’s Chapter of Katipunan
At first, Katipunan was purely a patriotic society for men. Owing to the growing suspicion
of the women regarding nocturnal absences of their husbands, the reduction of their monthly
earnings and "long hours of work", Bonifacio had to bring them into the realms of the KKK. A
section for women was established in the society: to become admitted, one must be a wife, a
daughter, or a sister of a male katipunero. It was estimated that from 20 to 50 women had
become members of the society
Prominent women were: - Josefa Rizal (President), Gregoria de Jesus (Vice president (Marina
Dizon, (secretary), and Angelica Rizal Lopez (fiscal).
Duties of women members: to take in new members (male or female), to see to it that the
meetings of male members were not disturbed by surprise raids of authorities, they acted as a
front for the clandestine goings-on of the katipuneros, and lastly, they were the one keeping the
important documents of the society
Notable Katipuneros
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(1863–1897) - Supremo, third leader and founder of the Kilusang La Liga Filipina.
Emilio Aguinaldo (1869–1964) - First and only president of the then First Philippine
Republic, Katipunan's successor. He was also a war general and head of the Magdalo
faction that led to a strife among the Katipuneros. During his presidency, he ordered the
execution of Andrés Bonifacio in 1897.
Emilio Jacinto (1875–1899) - called as the Brains of the Katipunan. He wrote several
papers during the Revolution like the Kartilya (Primer).
Gregoria de Jesús (1875–1943) - called as the Lakambini ng Katipunan (Muse of the
Katipunan) and nicknamed Aling Oryang, she was the wife of Bonifacio before marrying
Julio Nakpil after the former's death. She was also regarded as one of the first women
members of the Katipunan.
Gregorio del Pilar (1875–1899) - entered the Katipunan circle when he joined the First
Philippine Republic's army against the Americans. He died during the Battle of Tirad Pass.
Licerio Gerónimo (1855–1924) - Aguinaldo's war general during Philippine–American War.
Vicente Lukbán (1860–1916) - Americans regarded him to be the mastermind of the
bloody Balangiga massacre in 1901 during Philippine–American War.
Antonio Luna (1866–1899) - Aguinaldo's brigadier general, he led the war against the
Americans during Philippine–American War; was killed by kawit troops.
Miguel Malvar y Carpio (1865–1911) - commander of the Katipunan and was one of the
causes of strife among the society members.
Enrique Pacheco - Alias Resurreccion Macabuhay. Secretary of Finance, and head of the
Macabuhay Council.
Macario Sakay- head of Katipunan in Trozo, Manila. Future founder of Republika ng
Katagalugan that will oppose American occupation in the Phils.
Antonio Soliman
Paciano Rizal - Paciano Rizal was the brother of the national hero José Rizal was a personal
friend of Padre Jose Burgos during his youth, and joined the Katipunan years before Jose's
return from Dapitan.
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Manuel Tinio (1877–1924) - youngest general of the Katipunan, he later became the
governor of Nueva Ecija from 1907-1909.
Aurelio Tolentino
Jacinto Tolentino
Solomon Doma
Julian Felipe (1832–1835) - composer of Lupang Hinirang, teacher and member of La Liga
Filipina, he later served as legal advisor to the Katipunan. His tenacious ability in
argumentative reasoning earned him the nickname "demente viejo" among the colonial
Principalía.[43] In spite of being devout Catholic, Carpio, like other Filipino revolutionaries,
was a member of the Freemasons before the formation of the Katipunan. In Manila, Julian
ran a private law school which many of his personal socio-political ideals succeeded to his
students. Notable Katipuneros under his tutelage was Gregorio Aglipay[44] and Miguel
Malvar.
Supporters:
Melchora Aquino (1812–1919) - also known as Tandang Sora (Old Sora) and nicknamed as the
Grand Woman of the revolution as well as Mother of Balintawak, she has been notable for her
heroic contribution to wounded and ailing Katipuneros during revolution.
E. The Discovery of KKK
► Factors that led to the discovery of KKK
 the nightly meetings of the new members which gives suspicion to the Spanish authorities
 a misunderstanding between Teodoro Patiño and Apolonio de la Cruz who were both
workers of Diario de manila. Patiño took his revenge by revealing the secrets of society to
his sister Honoria. Patiño told father Mariano Gil of what he knew about the secrets of
society
 the lithographic stone used to print the Katipunan receipts was found.
 the rules of society and other pertinent documents were found
 the discovery of KKK was followed by mass arrest of Filipino suspects. This event was
known as “reign of terror”.
The Cry of Pugadlawin ( “the die is cast”) – On the afternoon of August 22, in the yard of Juan
Ramos, the son of Melchora Aquino who was called the mother of Katipunan, Bonifacio and his
men brought out their cedulas (it symbolizes Spanish domination over the Filipinos) and tore
them to pieces shouting Long Live the Philippines!
Katipunan sought Rizal’s advice on revolution. July 1, 1896, Bonifacio sent to Pio Valenzuela to
Dapitan in the guise of blind patient for the following purposes: to warn him that revolution
would break out anytime, there would be series of uprisings, Katipunan needed strategies, to
seek advice from him, to ask for wise counsel, offered to take him out of Dapitan
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Rizal’s stand on revolution
- membership was strong among poor and uneducated
- insufficient backing fro rich families
- lack military strategies thus needed an organized, discipline troops
- needs to operate discreetly
- He suggested that if the revolution ever breaks out they should make Antonio Luna the
military leader
- Ask the support of the rich in Manila
- he expressed absolute opposition to the waging of revolution because: they lack logistics,
funds , men and ammunition
F. The Trial, Arrest and Execution of Rizal
First Homecoming: Rizal decided to return to the Philippines in the latter part of 1887 to operate
on his mother’s eye. He was keen to know the effects of Noli and anxious to see
Leonor Rivera who had already married Henry Kipping, an Englishman.He painted and
started to write the beginnings of his second novel, EL Fili.
Second Homecoming: On June 26 1892, he arrived in Manila. He had a number of interviews
with Governor-General Despujol who interrogated him on his political activities.
Last Homecoming and trial: Rizal homecoming in 1896. On Nov.20 preliminary investigation
began.
THE TRIAL and ARREST: Rizal was arrested before reaching Barcelona. Sept. 28 by the order of
governor general Blanco. From the list of one hundred lieutenants presented to him, Rizal
chose Don Luis Taviel de Andrade 1st Lieutenant of the artillery as his lawyer w ho was the
brother of 1st Lt. Jose TavieL de Andrade Rizal bodyguard in Calamba in 1887.To convict Rizal,
his enemies arrested and tortured his friends to implicate him.
Dec.11, 1896 – information charges were formally read to Rizal in his prison cell as the principal
organizer and the living soul of the Filipino insurrection and the founder of societies, periodicals
and books dedicated to fomenting.
On the 11th of December 1896, in the presence of his Spanish counsel, charges against
Rizal were read. When asked regarding his sentiments or reaction on the charges, Rizal
replied that:
• He does not question the jurisdiction of the court
• He has nothing to admit on the charges against him
• He had nothing to admit on the declarations of the witnesses, he had not met nor knew,
•
against him.
He has nothing to amend except that during his exile in Dapitan in 1892, he had not
dealt in political matters;
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There were 15 evidences and documents (including testimonial evidences allegedly given by
his friends) as basis for the charged:
1.A letter of Antonio Luna to Mariano Ponce (10/16/1888) showing Rizal’s connection with the
Filipino reform campaign.
2. Rizal’s letter to his family (8/20/1890) stating that the deportations are good for they will
encourage the people to hate tyranny.
3. Letter from Mariano del Pilar to Deodato Arellano (1/7/1889) implicating Rizal in the
Propaganda campaign in Spain.
4. Poem entitled “ kundiman “ allegedly written by Rizal.
5. Letter of Carlos Olivares to an unidentified person, (9/18/1891) describing Rizal as the man to
free the Philippines from Spanish oppression.
6. A Masonic document (2/9/1892) honoring Rizal for his patriotic services.
7. A letter signed Dimasalang (Rizal’s pseudonym) to Tenluz (5/14/1892) stating that he was
preparing a safe refuge for Filipinos who may be persecuted by Spanish authorities.
8. Letter of Dimasalang to unidentified committee in Hongkong (6/1/1892) soliciting the aid of
the committee in the patriotic work.
9. An anonymous and undated letter to the editor of Hongkong Telegraph censuring the
banishment of Rizal to Dapitan.
10. A letter of Ildefonso Laurel to Rizal (3/17/1893) informing him of an unidentified
correspondent of the arrest and banishment of Doroteo Cortes and Ambrosio Salvador.
11. Letter of Ildefonso Laurel to Rizal (9/3/1892) saying that the Filipino people look up to him
as their savior.
12. A letter of Marcelo del Pilar to Don Juan Tenluz (6/1/1893) recommending the establishment
of a special organization, independent of masonry, to help the cause of the Filipinos.
13. Transcript of a speech of Pingkain (Jacinto) in reunion of the Katipunan on (7/23/1893), in
which the cry was uttered, “Long live the Philippines! Long live liberty! Long live Dr. Rizal!”
14. Transcript of speech of Tik-tik (Jose Turiano Santiago) in the same Katipunan reunion, where
the members shouted: “Long liv
15.A poem by Laon Laan (Rizal) entitled “ A Talisay” in which the author makes the Dapitan
School boys sing that they know how to fight for their rights.
According to Rizal, there are twelve points to prove his innocence:
 as testified by Pio Valenzuela, Rizal was against rebellion
 he had not written a letter addressed to the Katipunan comprising revolutionary elements
 without his knowledge, his name was used by the Katipunan; if he really was guilty, he
could have escaped while he was in Singapore
 if he was guilty, he should have left the country while in exile; he shouldn't have built a
home, bought a parcel of land or established a hospital in Dapitan.
 he did not deny that he wrote the by-laws of the La Liga filipina, but to make things clear,
the organization was a civic association, not a revolutionary society.
 after the first meeting of La Liga, the association banished because of his exile in Dapitan,
thus, did not last long.
 if the La Liga was reorganized nine months later, he had no idea about it
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 if the La Liga had a revolutionary purpose, then Katipunan should not have been
organized.
 if the Spanish authorities found his letters having bitter atmosphere, it was because in
1890 his family was being persecuted resulting to their dispossession of properties and
deportation of all his brothers-in-law.
 he lived an exemplary life in Dapitan – the politico-military commanders and missionary
priests in the province could attest to that.
 according to have witnessed the speech he delivered at Boroteo Ongjucno's house had
inspired the revolution, then he want to confront these persons. If he really was for the
revolution, then why did the Katipunan sent an unfamiliar emissary to him in Dapitan? It
is so because all his friends were aware that he never advocated violence.
I. the Execution of Rizal: On Dec.26, 1896 at 8:00 am, the court-martial of Rizal started in the
military building called Cuartel de España. The military court prejudiced, as it was, remained
indifferent to Rizal’s pleading. On Dec.28, 1896- Polavieja approved the decision of the courtmartial and ordered Rizal to be shot at 7:00 o’clock in the morning Dec.30, 1896 at Bagumbayan
field (Luneta). He refused to be blindfolded and when he was made to choose whether to kneel
or remain standing, he preferred to stand. The order was to shoot him with his back before the
soldiers, which he again refused asserting that he was never a traitor to the Philippines or to
Spain. He asked to have his head spared to which the commandant agreed. Rizal uttered, “
Consummatum est!” ( It is finished!)
J. The Magdalo-Magdiwang Rivalry: The KKK in Cavite was divided into 2 provincial councils (The
Magdalo and Magdiwang). Baldomero Aguinaldo headed the Magdalo group and Magdiwang led
by Mariano Alvarez. Emilio Aguinaldo and the Magdalo council wanted the leadership of the
revolution through a manifestos, “ The New Government of the Revolution” The Magdalo party
believed that a new government is needed for KKK is exposed and no longer keeps the demand
of time while the Magdiwang wanted the KKK to remain for it had a constitution and by-laws.
Since Bonifacio was the recognized Supreme or president of the KKK, he was invited by the two
parties to mediate the conflict.
K. The Tejeros Convention: This is known to be the passing of leadership from the hands of the
masses (represented by Bonifacio) to the hands of the elites (represented by Aguinaldo).The
leaders of the two councils gathered and replaced the KKK with a new government at Tejeros,
one of the towns in Cavite on March 22, 1897.The election was held. Emilio Aguinaldo won the
presidency in abscencia of the new government while Bonifacio was elected as secretary of
interior.Bonifacio was insulted by Daniel Tirona, a member of the Magdalo party, declaring that
Bonifacio was maleducated, ignorant and did not deserve for his post as secretary of interior.
He added that it must be given to somebody who has a law degree.
Bonifacio was very much insulted that he almost shot Daniel Tirona but his bodyguard
stopped him. Out of his anger he declared, “ I as founder and the president of this KKK declared the
Tejeros convention null and void”. He left the Tejeros Convention not wanting to recognize
Aguinaldo as the new president of the new government.
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L. The Naik Military Agreement: The founding of a new government independent to that of Tejeros
by Bonifacio and his men. Bonifacio and some of his followers organized an army with a
commander of their choice to command.
M. Trial and Execution of Bonifacio: Bonifacio was a threat to Aguinaldo’s government that he and
his brother were arrested. The Bonifacio brothers were accused guilty of treason and sedition
without sufficient evidences. They were executed at Mt. Tala on May 10, 1897. Upon the death
of Bonifacio, Aguinaldo became the sole leader of the revolution
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VI. The Development of Rizal’s Nationalism
In studying great and infamous characters of the world, it is important to know a
person’s home background, since parents, siblings and other members of the household
of one’s family exert influence in the development of personality. To understand Rizal’s
life works and writings, it is necessary to be familiar with his background and experiences.
A. Rizal’s Birth, Ancestry and Childhood
Jose Rizal’s full name was Jose Protasio Rizal Mercado Y Alonso Realonda. He
was born on June 19,1861. His name was Jose because her mother was a devotee of
the Christian Saint San Jose. He was 7th of the eleven children of Francisco Mercado
Rizal and Teodora Alonso Realonda.
The Rizal Family was one of the richest families in Calamba. They were the first to
build large stone house in Calamba, first to own Carruaje ( horse-drawn carriage) and
first to have a home library with 1,000 volume of books. They gave high priority to
education. They adopted Mercado because of Gov. Claveria’s decree to change Indio’s
family names to hispamized names for easy listing for tax collection but many families in
Laguna adopted the surname Mercado. To distinguish Lamco-Mercado from other
Mercado’s, the alcalde mayor suggested addition of another surname Rizal’ Rizal is from
a word “racial” which means green field. Mercado Rizal was used by Jose on official
documents like pass port. When he studied in Manila, Jose used the surname Rizal and
not Mercado for him not to be associated with his elder brother Paciano.
Ancestry of Rizal
a. Paternal side
Domingo Lamco
- great-great grandfather of Rizal Chinese businessman), a pure
blooded-Chinese
- Native of Fookien,China
- He was married to Inez De la Rosa
- Their children were Francisco Mercado and Josefa Inez de Laroza, the
wife of Domingo Lamco, she was the daughter of Augustin Chinco, a
rich merchant and Jacinta Rafaela, Chinese mestiza of the Parian distict
of Manila.
Francisco Mercado (1731-1801)
Rizal’s great grandfather
An Alcalde mayor
He was married to Bernarda Manicha, a Chinese mestiza of the
neighboring hacienda of San Pedro.
Juan Mercado
son of Francisco Mercado and married to Cirila Alejandro, a 20 yearold daughter of Domingo Lamco’s Chinese Godson, Siongco.
Alcalde of Binan in 1808,1813 and 1823.
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Francisco Mercado-Rizal (1818-1898)
Son of Juan Mercado and married to Teodora, Alonso.
The only Francisco who used the name Rizal.
b. Maternal side
Lakandula – Rizal’s ancestor, last Malayan king of Tondo
Cipriano Alonso
Great grand-father of Rizal
Alcalde mayor of Binan in 1797
Married to Maria Florentino who also belonged to the famous Chinese
family in Baliuag Bulacan
Lorenzo Alberto
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Alfonso (1790-1854)
Son of Cipriano Alonso and Maria Florentino
The grandfather of Rizal
He was married to Brigida de Quintos’, daughter of Manuel de Quintos
and Regina Ochoa.
also a rich man who invested a part of his fortune in the AmericanManila shipping firms.
Manuel de Quintos
Father of Brigilda de Quintos
chinese-mestizo lawyer and had been a municipal captain of Lingayen
Pangsinan.
He was married to Regina Ochoa (or Ursua) who was believed to be
the child of Marquis de Caneta, a Spanish nobleman.
Eugenio Ursua
Eugenio Ursua – great grandfather of Rizal (Japanese blood) married
to a Filipina Benigna
B. Rizal’s parents
Franciso Mercado (1818-1898)
- born in Binan Laguna and died at the age of 80 educated at the college of
San Jose manila became tenant farmer of the Dominican estate
- he adopted the name Rizal which the alcalde mayor of Laguna gave, it
means green field for pasture.
Teodora Alonso Realonda (1826-1911)
- born in manila and died at the age of 85
- graduate of Santa College
- talented woman with high culture, business ability and literary gifts
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Rizal wrote:
“ My mother is not a woman of ordinary culture. She knows literature and
speaks Spanish better than I do. She even corrected my poems and gave med
advice when I was studying rhetoric. She is a mathematician and has read
many books”
The children of Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonso
Saturnina(1850-1913)
Paciano (1851-1930)
Narcisa (1852-1939)
Olympia (1855-1887
Lucia (1857-1919)
Maria (1859-1945)
Jose (1861-1896)
Concepcion (1862-1864)
Josefa (1865-1945)
Trinidad (1868-1961)
Soledad (1870-1929)
Early Childhood of Rizal: happy days in the family garden, daily angelus prayer and
happy moonlit nights at the azotea after nightly rosary
Events happened when Rizal was eleven: the execution of the three priests
(GomBurZa) and the imprisonment of his mother
C. Rizal’s Educational Background
a. Early education of Rizal
- concentrated on 4Rs ( reading, writing, rithmetic, religion)
- His first teacher was his mother
-He learned the alphabet at the age of three.
b. Early formal education
- Attained through private tutors and session at home
- Maestro Celestino was the first tutor then followed by maestro Lucas
Padua
- Leon Monroy tutored him in Spanish and Latin
c. His studies at Ateneo
- Ateneo de municipal was ran by Jesuits
- The school a prestigious name as an excellent college for boys
- Rizal at first was refused admission for two reasons: late registration, and
sickly and frail
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Because of intervention of Father Manuel Burgos, he was admitted.
First year in Ateneo ((1872-1873), he adopted the name Rizal
Second year in Ateneo (1873-1874)
third year in Ateneo (1874-1875) his mother was released from prison
Fourth year in Ateneo (1875-1876) he obtained the degree of Bachelor
of Arts which is equivalent to a high school diploma.
d. His studies at University of Sto. Tomas
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In 1877, Rizal studied at University of Sto. Tomas taking Philosophy and
Letters
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At the same time, he took vocational course leading to the title of perito
agrimensor (expert surveyor))at Ateneo. He passed the examination at the
age of 17 but was given the title at 20 because he was underage.
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1878-1879, he took up medicine at University of Sto. Tomas. The reason
why he took up medicine was to cure his mother’s growing blindness.
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1879, Liceo Artistico-Leterario, (artsitic Literary Lyceum) of Manila a society
of literary men and artist held literary contest
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a la juventud Filipina, first great poem written in Spanish written by a
Filipino submitted by Rizal won first prize.
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After finishing the fourth year of his medical course, he decided to study in
Spain, Barcelona—he wrote Amor Patrio (Love of Country) first article
written in Spain
Rizal’s unhappy days at University of Santo Tomas
1. Dominican professors were hostile
2. Filipino students were racially discriminated
3. The method of instruction is obsolete.
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University of Sto. Tomas Grading system
( excerpts from Seeds of Revolution by Sonia S. Daquila, pg 115)
Jose Mercado Y Alonso
Sobraseliente
Notable,aprovechado
Bueno
Mediano
Aprobado
Suspenso
reprobado
excellent
very good
good
fair or poor
passed
conditioned(subject to an extra-ordinary examination in June)
failed
Preparatory course of theology and law ( 1877-1878)
cosmology-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------sobraseliente
metaphysics---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------sobraseliente
theodi9cy------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------sobraseliente
history of philosophy-----------------------------------------------------------------------------sobraseliente
Preparatory course of medicine ( 1878-1879)
advance physics----------------------------------------------------------------------------------aprovechado
advance chemistry-------------------------------------------------------------------------------sobraseleente
advance natural history--------------------------------------------------------------------------aprovechado
First year of medicine(1878-1879)
general anatomy and histology l----------------------------------------------------------------bueno
descriptive anatomy l-----------------------------------------------------------------------------bueno
exercises of osteology and dissection----------------------------------------------------------bueno
Second year of medicine (1879-1880)
general anatomy and histology ll--------------------------------------------------------------bueno
descriptive anatomy ll --------------------------------------------------------------------------bueno
exercises of dissection-------------------------------------------------------------------------- bueno
physiology, private and public hygiene-------------------------------------------------------bueno
Third year of medicine ( 1880-1881)
general pathology, its clinic and pathologic histology—-----------------------------------aprobado
therapeutics, medical matter and art of prescribing----------------------------------------sobraseliente
surgical anatomy, operations, external medical applications and bandages------------bueno
Fourth year of medicine ( 1881-1882)
medical pathology-------------------------------------------------------------------------------notable
surgical pathology-------------------------------------------------------------------------------notable
obstetrics, sicknesses of women and children----------------------------------------------notable
siphilography-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------notable
Note: the original credentials are available at the UST archive
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D. Travel to Spain
- In 1882 – he entered the University of Madrid in two courses Medicine and Philosophy and
Letters and also studied painting, sculpture, in the Academy of San Fernando took lessons in
French, German, and English under private tutor.
- In 1884 – he was awarded the degree of Licentiate in medicine by the Universidad central
of Madrid.
E. From Paris to Berlin (Germany)
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In 1885, he stayed in Paris where he stayed for about four months. He worked as
assistant in the clinic of Dr. Louis de Wecherts, a French ophthalmologist
He moved to Germany and worked in the hospital in Heidelberg where Dr. Otto Becker
was the director.
From 1886-1887, he made a tour of Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and
Germany
With the help of Maximo Viola, 200 copies of Noli was printed and finally released in
March 1887
In Germany, he met Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt who helped him in his research on the
Philippines at European library
F. Going back to the Philippines
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after the publication of the Noli, he went home in August 1887 for the following
reasons: to find out the influence of his novel and to operate on his mother’s eye
He got involved in the Calamba Agrarian affair where he exposed the deplorable
condition of the friars.
He secretly left the Philippines in February 1888.
G. On Brussels, Belgium
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as a sequel of the Noli, he completed the El Fili in July 1891. With the financial help
of Valentin Ventura, Fili came out on the printing press on September, 1991
On June, 1892, he went home and was summoned to Malacañang for dedicating the
book El Fili to Gomburza
On July 1892, he was exiled to Dapitan
VI. The Prevailing Philosophies and Philosophers on Rizal’s Time
PHILOSOPHY may be defined as the study and pursuit of facts which deal with the ultimate reality or causes of things as they
affect life.
Modern philosophy came to a close around the end of the 18th and 19th century and upon its end began
contemporary philosophy that is characterized by political and religious outlooks. Many political thinkers emerge
brought about by changes then taking place in Europe. Among these thoughts was the deviation from the divine
right theory, which was the basis of absolute monarchies in Europe and in Asia. Foremost among the proponents
of these new political ideologies were: John Locke, Rousseau, Hegel, Charles Darwin, Hobbes, Bakunin, Marx,
and Edmund Burke. Exposed to their writings and teachings, Rizal (1861-1896) developed his own philosophy
and political thoughts. Europe became his social and political laboratory while his countrymen the Indios, as
referred to by the Spanish community became his patients.
The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 allowed liberal ideas to flow into the archipelago. Among others
were the ideas of the French revolution, anti-clericalism, secularism and nationalism. The socio-economic and
political conditions provide a fertile ground in the country for the seeds of revolution to flourish.
I. Ideologies: Anarchism, Conservatism, Liberalism and Marxism
A. Anarchism – an ideology, which stresses belief in the ability of men and women to establish functioning social
communities without the need for apparatus of state. It advocates destruction of the existing society by revolution
for the birth of a new and better one.
Two aristocratic revolutionaries, Michael Bakunin and Peter Kropotkin claim that the state is parasite and an
enemy of the people. They encourage the abolition of private property and the exposition of fraud in the guise
religion. They glorify revolution as the only way to effect change.
Mikhail Bakunin: “Man is naturally good but he is corrupted by his institution or society”
 Leading theorist of Anarchism
 An aristocratic revolutionary who claims that the state is a parasite and an enemy of the people.
 Together with Peter Kropotkin they encouraged the abolition of private property and the exposition of
fraud in guise of religion. They glorify revolution as the only way to effect change.
 He hated all forms of authority, believing that society must be organized from the bottom upwards by
a spontaneous cooperation and association.
Types of Anarchism:
1.
Classical anarchy - kind of anarchy where violence is a necessity to uproot the old system to counter
resistance of the ruling class. It is intensely critical of social and political roles of religion in deceiving
the people.
2.
Anarcho-syndicalist – praises the role of trade unions, advocates general strikes and prefers civil
disobedience. Its basis is the supreme value of importance of individual freedom. This freedom is
deemed as the superior moral right of man against any law or policy of the state. An individual bases
his civil disobedience on personal and ethical consideration.
3.
Anarcho-individualist - - one’s protest may be in form of radical pacifism, renouncing revolutionary
violence against the state.
Radical Pacifism – an act of dying as “acceptance” of punishment for crime purportedly committed; a type
of non-violent protest to highlight injustice and corruption to –strong public reaction
A. Conservatism may be taken as cautionary measure to change.
Conservatism is an ideology that seeks to preserve the status quo who, when change becomes necessary in tested
institutions and practices, prefers that it come slowly, and in moderation.
--William Safire’s New Political Dictionary
Thomas Hobbes
- argued that man’s natural state was war. Go vernments, particularly a monarchy, was necessary to restrain
man’s bestial tendencies because life without government was a “state of nature.”
- Without written, enforceable rules, people would live like animals—foraging for food, stealing and killing
when necessary.
- To escape the horrors of the natural state and to protect their lives, Hobbes argued men must give up to
government certain rights. Without government, life would basically be “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and
short”—a constant struggle to survive against the evil of others. For this reason, governments had to intrude on
people’s rights and liberties to control society and provide the necessary safeguards for property.
Edmund Burke. (1729-1797) was the first strong exponent of conservatism.
Niccolo Machiavelli
- He contended that to get power and stay in power, a ruler had to forget his ideals. He learned that by nature,
humans are not good, kind, loyal or honest.
- “ A wise ruler… cannot and should not observe faith when it is to his disadvantage and the causes that made
him give his promise have vanished. If men were all good, this advice would not be good, but since men are
wicked and do not keep their promises to you, you likewise do not have to keep yours to them.”
- Machiavelli believed that the state should be all-powerful. He said that every political act had only one means
of measure—success.
1.Organicism – the state is viewed as an organ, the product of a healthy society, a living organism, whose parts are
subordinate to and contributory to the welfare of the whole
2.Aristocracy – from the word ‘ARETE’ meaning excellence, this is the rule of the best where the members of a
community place confidence on a distinct group and doubt the capacity of the masses to rule
3.Clericalism – it views the separation of the church and state as undesirable. State and church must shared equal
power.
Divine Right Theory: was very popular during the middle age, it justifies absolute monarchy, for ages, it kept the
supremacy of monarchs beyond question. Politics was merged with religious beliefs that serve as persuasive
sanction. I t advocates the idea that leaders derived their power from God . The leaders are the representatives of
God. This was later changed by political thinkers who separated politics from religion and moral ethics.
4.Traditionalism – traditions and institutions are generally considered the best since they have been tested by time.
5.Paternalism – a concept where the aristocratic group is to play parents of the masses as children, under the tutelage
of the latter. It is a tyrant-slave mentality, a form of oppression
6.Compliance- The practice of submitting oneself to authority and subordination to basic institutions. These are
ascribed to the role assigned to leaders as part of the organic social whole and are presumed to be just and legitimate.
7.Social Pessimism - this concept claims that man shapes society and society is shaped by man. Society therefore, is
the reflection of man’s nature and collective behavior in a particular polity. Corollary to this, it claims that social ills
cannot be blamed on the defects of a social system alone but are imputed also on the nature, weakness and defects of
man himself.
C. Communism
-
-
-
predict the revolution between the capitalist and the proletariat: the trio of thesis, antithesis and synthesis that
results to the success of the proletariat.
Communism in the 1900’s has been based on the theories of Marx as interpreted and modified by Lenin.
These theories are often called Marxism-Leninism. According to Communists, their long-range goal is a
society that provides equality and economic security for all.
A theory and system of social and political organization that was a major force in world politics for much of
the 20th century.
As a political movement, communism sought to overthrow capitalism through a worker’s revolution and
establish a system in which property is owned by the community as a whole rather than by individuals.
In theory, communism would create a classless society of abundance and freedom, in which all people enjoy
equal social and economic status. In practice, communist regimes have taken the form of coercive,
authoritarian governments that cared little for the plight of the working class and sought above all else to
preserve their own hold on power.
Communists believe that only a violent revolution could improve the plight of workingmen
D. Liberalism
-
Places its faith in the rationality and goodness of man. It expresses demand for freedom of expression and equality
of opportunity.
it is critical of institutions whether political or religious which tend to restrict individual liberty. Liberalism
postulates that men are born equal yet, this doctrine admits that men differ in incidences and accidents
it expresses demand for freedom of expression and equality of opportunity
1. Natural Rights Liberalism (John Locke, 1632-1704) claims that man is a rational being, endowed with
natural rights such as life, liberty and property. Man entered into a covenant with the government.
John Locke ( 1632-1704) is said to be the prophet of democracy and the main proponent of natural rights
liberalism. He claims that man is a rational being endowed with natural rights such as life, liberty and
property. Liberalism postulates that men are born equal yet, this doctrine admits that men differ in incidences
and accidents. Given equal chances, one will strive to show how unequal he is with his equals and the equals
unequal.
- Leviathan that says “man by nature is selfish, cruel and always seeking for his self-glorification”
- in two of his works (Essay Concerning Human Understanding1690, and Second Treatise on Civil
Government 1689) responded to King James II abuses of power, which were largely directed at the
Anglican Church and Parliament. Locke not only denied the divine rights of kings to govern, but argued
that men were born equal and with rights in nature that no king had the power to void.
- Under what Locke termed as Social Contract Theory, the consent of the people is the only true basis of any
sovereign rights to rule.
- According to him, men formed governments largely to preserve life, liberty, and property, and to assure
justice. If governments act improperly, they break their “contract” with the people and therefore no longer
enjoy the consent of the governed. .
Jean Jacques Rousseau:
- ‘Everything is good when it leaves the hands of the creator but everything degenerates in the hands of
man”. “Man is born free but everywhere in chains”.
- claimed that man is inherently good but the false values of society corrupt him. He claimed that a people’s
consent alone legitimizes government and the processes of decision-making must be participated by all.
- He said that it is the right of the people to stage civil disobedience or to take up arms when a government
breaks its covenant with them. He prescribes eternal vigilance on the part of the governed against their
people.
Rousseau claims that the covenant is in two phases:
1) the social phase where the inhabitants of a polity decides to form a community of people;
2) the political phase where the people organize a government. The government and the governed are
bound by a symbiotic relationship where the government has the right to formulate and implement laws
for the general welfare of the people. the people must support the government and abide by the law.
When the government has become arbitrary and oppressive however, the people have the right to
overthrow the government.
2. Utilitarian Liberalism (John Stuart Mill, 1806-1873), justifies inequalities if such inequalities are necessitated
by the common weal and where there is freedom coupled with maturity. This ideology believes in the
relativeness of truth and in the freedom of expression.
3 Social Darwinist Liberalism takes evolution as one of the laws of nature. While it discourages aid to the unfits
of society, it is optimistic that in the far-off future, man will achieve the ideal state.
Evolution is a political theory based on Darwin’s theory on natural selection, that is, the process
whereby individual variations or peculiarities that are of advantage in a certain environment tend to
become perpetuated in the race (survival of the fittest). Thus the belief that some people were born to
rule and others were destined to serve others. Darwin believed that betterment is the outcome of slow
and steady processes.
4. Modern Liberalism assumes that there shall be transition of negative freedom (restraints from the
state/morality) to positive freedom (absence of restraint) when man achieves a certain state of mind, the capacity
to decide morally, rationally, and intellectually
5. Ideal Liberalism (T.H. Green, 1836-1882) believes in the necessity of civil and social institutions to attain
perfection of oneself. T.H. Green neither believes in a dichotomy of state against the individual nor the state as
a necessary evil that expects the achievement of freedom through expansion of state and expanded democracy.
6. Pragmatic Liberalism (John Dewey, 1859-1952) views the truth and the world as ever changing. Change is
claimed as the law of life. He finds society as a precondition and not a threat to our freedom. Dewey claims
that true progress is not a gift of the universe, rather, it is an achievement that man must earn.
Social Contract Theory
-
-
-
Theory which began with Plato
This is in contrast with Divine Right theory
Kings derive their power from the people. While the rulers have the obligation to look after the
general welfare, the people have the obligation to support their rulers. When governance is
oppressive it is the right of the people to overthrow such government.
is the belief that people are free and equal by God-given right and that this in turn requires that
all people give their consent to be governed.
As basis for liberal thoughts asserts that states may have been formed by deliberate and voluntary
contract among people to form a society and organize a government for their common good. This
theory justifies the right of the people to revolt against a bad ruler.
According to this theory, kings derived their power from the people. While rulers have an
obligation to look after their people’s welfare, the people have the obligation to support their
rulers. When governance is oppressive, it is the right of the people to overthrow such a
government
Secularism—is an advocacy that religious influence should be restricted in education, morality, and
politics and economic. The state must be ibndependent of religion.
Deism
- Derived from the Latin word “DEUS” meaning God
- The “ New Theology” of the enlightenment philosophers, which constructed the theory of natural revelation
as a substitute for the Christian notion of supernatural revelation”.
- Denies the occurrence of miracles and mysteries and encourages man to see and feel the message of the
Supreme Being through nature.
- A movement or system of thought advocating natural religion, emphasizing morality and in the 18 th century
denying the interference of the creator with the laws of the universe.
- In the 19th C Philippines, religion was used as an excuse in the acquisition of property and in wielding of
absolute power. The indios sought the meaning of life, suffering, and continuously hoped for enlightenment
and deliverance from ignorance, superstitions, fanaticism and obscurantism which led to the easy acceptance
of deism and masonry.
- The deists believed that God stayed out of people’s daily lives and praying was useless. Deism is a movement
or system of thought advocating natural religion, emphasizing morality and denying the interference of the
Creator with the laws of the Universe. Rituals were viewed as unimportant, and religious differences were
viewed as silly. They deny the occurrence of miracles and mysteries and encourage man to see and feel the
message of the Supreme Being through nature.
- Francois Arouet (Voltaire) accepted the teachings of deism. Because he attacked the wrong acts he saw in organized
religion, he was called an atheist, one who believes there is no God. But he saw a need for religious beliefs, he once said,
“If there were no God, it would be necessary to invent one.” Voltaire hated intolerance. He directly entered into several
cases of religious persecution to gain justice. He is thought to have said: “I do not agree with a word you say, but I will
defend to the death your right to say it.”
Humanism began in 14th century Italy. The humanist way of looking at life is marked by an interest in people.
The beauties and chances of life on earth are important. Humanists taught people to live a full life and welcome
new experiences. Humanists wanted people to have a better life in this world, rather than waiting for the next.
Rizal’s own philosophies
Being one of the prominent representatives of Filipino personalities, Jose Rizal is a fit subject whose life
philosophy deserves to be recognized. Having been a victim of Spanish brutality early in his life, Rizal had already
formed an unfavorable opinion of imperialistic administration of his country and people.
Educational Philosophy
Rizal’s sought improvements in the schools and in the methods of teaching. He maintained that the
backwardness of his country during the Spanish ear was not due to the Filipinos’ indifference, apathy or indolence as
claimed by the rulers, but to the neglect of the Spanish authorities in the islands. For Rizal, the mission of education
is to elevate the country to the highest seat of glory and to develop the people’s mentality. Since education is the
foundation of society and a prerequisite for social progress, Rizal claimed that only through education could the
country be saved from domination. Rizal’s philosophy of education centers on the great social forces that make
education a success, to create in the youth an innate desire to cultivate his intelligence.
Religious Philosophy
Rizal did not agree with the prevailing Christian propagation of the Faith by fire and sword.. Rizal did not
believe in the Catholic dogma that salvation was only for Catholics and that outside Christianity, salvation was not
possible even if Catholics composed only a small minority of the world’s religious groups. Nor did he believe in the
Catholic observation of fasting as a sacrifice, nor in the sale of such religious items as the cross, medals, rosaries and
the like in order to propagate the Faith and raise church funds. He also lambasted the superstitious beliefs propagated
by the priests in the church and in the schools.
Political Philosophy
Rizal believed that Filipinos should be developed, civilized, educated and trained in the science of self-
government. He bitterly assailed and criticized the apparent backwardness of the Spanish ruler’s method of governing
the country which resulted in: the bondage and slavery of the conquered, the Spanish government’s requirement of
forced labor and force military service upon the n natives, the abuse of power by means of exploitation, the government
ruling that any complaint against the authorities was criminal; and. making the people ignorant, destitute and fanatic,
thus discouraging the formation of a national sentiment. Rizal’s guiding political philosophy can be associated in the
study and application of reforms, the extension of human rights, the training for self government and the arousing of
spirit of discontent over oppression, brutality, self love inhumanity and sensitiveness
Ethical Philosophy
-
He counseled the Filipinos not to resent a defect attributed to them but to accept same as reasonable and just;
Headvised the masses that the object of marriage was the happiness and love of the couple and not financial gain;
He
censured
the
priests
who
preached
greed
and
wrong
morality;
and
advised every one that love and respect for parents must be strictly observed. He censured the friars for abusing
the advantage of their position as spiritual leaders and the ignorance and fanaticism of the natives;
Social Philosophy
Rizal’s social philosophy dealt with man’s evolution and his environment, explaining for the most part
human behavior and capacities like his will to live; his desire to possess happiness; the change of his mentality; the
role of virtuous women in the guidance of great men; the need for elevating and inspiring mission; the duties and
dictates of man’s conscience; man’s need of practicing gratitude; the necessity for consulting reliable people; his need
for experience; his ability to deny; the importance of deliberation; the voluntary offer of man’s abilities and
possibilities; the ability to think, aspire and strive to rise; and the proper use of hearth, brain and spirit-all of these
combining to enhance the intricacies, beauty and values of human nature.
VII. RIzal’s ReVolutIonaRy Ideas: nolI Me tangeRe and el FIlIbusteRIsMo
Wenceslao Retana, a Rizal biographer called the novels the “ New Gospels” and the “ New
Bible” of the Filipinos. Ferdinand Blumentritt considered the Noli as the “greatest literary work
ever written by a Filipino... a work written with the heart’s blood of a patriot”
A. Rizal: The Novelist
Rizal wrote the novels for the noble purpose of redeeming his people from their miserable
conditions. His main purposes were to expose the social malady affecting the country, and to
awaken and develop the national consciousness of the people.
The Noli Me Tangere (Social Cancer) and the El Filibusterismo (the reign of greed) boldly
exposed and criticized Philippine social life during the 19th century. These works of fiction are now
considered two of the greatest Filipino social documents.
The novels exposed the symptoms of the cancer that were eroding Philippine society; the
abuses of the friars and the civil guards, the corruption in the government, defective educational
system, the hypocrisy and apathy of some Filipinos and the decadence of social order. In the Noli
Rizal portrayed the substance and character of the contemporary situation in the Philippines. He
told his friend Blumentritt, “ The Filipinos will find in Noli the history of the last 10 years”. The
events that I have recounted are all true and have actually happened.
B. Rizal’s revolutionary ideas as expressed in the Noli me Tangere and
El Filibusterismo
To the Marxists, revolution is a tragic necessity, unavoidable because they believe that the
ruling class will never give up without a fight. As a realist, Rizal has been misconceived by his
detractors as indecisive. His novels sanctioned reforms even when he had predicted and warned
his readers on the inevitability and necessity of revolution of pleas for reform went unheeded.
Rizal believes in the political theory of Locke and Rousseau that revolution should be the
last recourse of an aggrieved people. He advocates revolution, which starts from godliness,
liberation of the people from superstitions and freedom from ignorance through education,
morality, dignity, industry, justice and perseverance.
Without education and without virtues, Rizal doubts if a revolution can ever succeed. This doubt
was expressed when he asked, “ What if slaves of today shall be tyrants of tomorrow?”
In 1891, Rizal voiced through two pivotal characters of his El-Filibusterismo the need for reinvigorating Philippine society through revolution.
Rizal firmly entertained the use of violence when he was writing the Noli Me Tangere from
1884 to 1887 and after its publication in March, 1887 in Berlin, Germany; and again while he was
completing the manuscript of El Filibusterismo
All ideas about revolution are anchored on the proposition that all changes must be
effected in the political, economic, religious, social, and intellectual spheres is inferred from the
conversation. Many political revolutions achieve their goals through violence with great loss of
human life and destruction of property. Some political revolutions in our time, however, bring
changes peacefully.
In expressing one aspect of his ideas on revolution through Basilio and Simoun, Rizal
entertained the idea of using force to accomplish changes. The idea of changes through force
came up in the Noli Me Tangere.
Alone, it is true, we are nothing, but take up the cause of the people, unite you with the
people, be not heedless of their cries, set an example to the rest; spread the idea of what we call
a fatherland.
1. The idea of peaceful struggle
- At first, Rizal believed in the peaceful way of attaining
independence. In his novel Noli Me Tangere, Elias proposed the
idea of revolution to Ibarra but Ibarra rejected it because this
would cost the lives of many.
if I ever see the multitude armed I would place myself on the side of the government for in
such a mob I should not see my countrymen”
-
Ibarra, Noli me Tangere
2. The idea of revolution by force
“ You are right Elias (in advocating revolution), but men is a
creature of circumstances! Then a month ago, I was blind
annoyed—what did I say?. now I see the horrible cancer which
feeds upon this society, which clutches its flesh and which
demands a violent uprooting out.”
- Ibarra, Noli Me Tangere
Rizal’s letter to Blumentritt:
“ A peaceful struggle will always be a dream, for Spain will
never learn the lessons of her South American colonies”
3. the idea of using force but only as a last resort
Rizal’s letter to Blumentritt (June 19,1881)
“But if the government drives us to them, that is to say, when no other hope remains to us
but seek destruction in war, when the Filipinos would prefer to die rather than injure longer
their misery, then I will become a partisan of violence .”
“I have lost my hope
in Spain”
Rizal’s letter to Marcelo H. del Pilar
“ we shall resort to force only when we have exhausted every other means, when they drive
us to the war, to fight or die, when God gives ever man the right to defend himself as best
as he can”.
Rizal’s proclamation written in Paris, October 1889
“ When a people is gagged; when its dignity, honor and all its liberties are trampled; even
when the last hope is wrestled from the heart; then..! then..! then…! It has no left other remedy
but to take down with delirious hand from the eternal altars of the bloody and the suicidal
dagger of revolution!”
C. Why Rizal is not for armed revolution?
While Rizal at one time or the other entertained the idea of revolution, he was not for
armed revolution per se.
1) In his Noli Me Tangere, Rizal killed Elias, the character who vehemently insisted on
revolution to effect the reforms clamored for by the malcontents and unfortunates.
2) In El Filibusterismo, Rizal skillfully executed the death of Simoun who took poison after
his failure to carry out the second plan for a revolution, which was selfish like his first
plan.
3) Rizal refused armed rebellion because the country was not prepared for it.
Summary:
"Noli Me Tangere"
The young and idealistic Juan Crisostomo Ibarra returns home after seven years in
Europe. The wealthy meztizo, like his father Don Rafael endeavors for reform primarily in the
area of education in order to eliminate poverty and improve the lives of his countrymen. Upon
learning about his father’s demise and the denial of a Catholic burial for his father Ibarra was
provoked to hit Padre Damaso which eventually lead to his excommunication. The
excommunication was later rescinded upon the intervention of the Governor General.
Padre Salvi, Ibarra’s mortal enemy accused Ibarra of insurrection. Ibarra’s letter to his
beloved Maria Clara was used against him. Later in the story, Maria Clara will tell Ibarra that she
did not conspire to indict him. She was compelled to give Ibarra’s letter in exchange for the letters
of her mother before she was born. Maria Clara found out that the letters of her mother were
addressed to Padre Damaso about their unborn child which means that she is the biological
daughter of the priest and not of her father, Capitan Tiago.
Meanwhile, Ibarra was able to escape the prison with Elias, who also experienced injustice
with the authorities. Ibarra was able to speak with Maria Clara about the letters and thereafter
forgave her. Ibarra and Elias flee to the lake and were chased by the Guardia Civil. One was shot
and the other survives. Upon hearing the news, Maria Clara believed that Ibarra was dead; she
entered the nunnery instead of marrying Alfonso Linares.
The fatally wounded Elias found the child Basilio and his dead mother Sisa. The latter was
driven to insanity when she learned that her children were implicated for theft by the sacristan
mayor. Elias instructed Basilio to dig for his and Sisa’s graves and there is a buried treasure which
he can use for his education.
Noli Me Tangere brilliantly described Philippine society with its memorable characters. The
melancholic fate of Maria Clara and the insanity of Sisa characterized the country’s pitiful state,
which was once beautiful, turned miserable. Reading Noli Me Tangere will open one’s mind about
oppression and tyranny.
D. The Noli Me Tangere and its characters
Noli Me Tangere, which means “Touch Me Not”, was taken from the Gospel of St. John.
It talks about the social cancer of the society. It presents two conflicting propositions: revolt by
the masses as articulated by Elias and through peaceful means as espoused by Ibarra.
Rizal spoke through the characters he created. His personifications range from models of the
corrupt and virtuous, the sincere and the pretentious, the charitable and the greedy, the parasite
and the self-reliant, the mighty and the weak, the power seeker and the slack, the fanatic and
the superstitious, the men of mediocrity and the men of greatness.
For as long as there are immoral, insincere and two-faced members of the religious, Father
Damaso reincarnated. When Filipinos disdain their race and pretend to be that of another, Dona
Victorina lives. For as long as there are sipsips and balimbings, Capitan Tiago exists. For as long
as there are Filipino women who marry for convenience or power Dona Consolacion is alive.
It is easy to identify the present-day Filipinos with the characters in Noli Me Tangere. Rizal
spoke through the characters he created.
Juan Crisostomo Ibarra
the only son of Don Rafael Ibarra, the richest person in San Diego. He represents
Rizal.The boyfriend of Maria Clara. He was born and grew up in the Philippines,
but during his adolescence, spent seven years studying in Europe. Those years
prevented him from knowing what was happening in his country. When he
returned to the Philippines, he found his father had died and the corpse was
(supposedly) moved to a Chinese cemetery (but the body ended up in a river).
He heard tales of how helpful and kind his father had been and decided to honor
the memory of his father by doing as his father did. Boyfriend of Maria Clara
Maria Clara- she symbolizes the passivity of a Filipina woman. She is the known
daughter of kapitan Tiyago and Dona Pia Alba but biologically her father is father
Damaso. Doña Pía died while delivering Maria Clara. She grew under the
guidance and supervision of Tíya Isabél, Capitán Tiago's cousin. María Clara is
known to be Ibarra's lover since childhood. When Ibarra was away in Europe,
Capitán Tiago sent Maria Clara to the Beaterio de Santa Clara. She discovers that
her biological father is not Capitán Tiago, but San Diego's former curate and her
godfather Padre Dámaso. After hearing about Ibarra's death, she went to Padre
Damaso and persuaded him to accept her into a nunnery.
Sisa- named as Narcisa. She is the mother of Basilio and Crispin. She symbolizes the
Philippines itself that was helplessly abused and maltreated by the Spaniards. She
depicts how Filipino mothers love their children unquestionably. After days when
Crispin was held captive by Mang Tasyo, the owner of the sacristy, she was
arrested, locked up in the jail. One day later, she was pardoned by the town Alferez
and was released. However, when she returned home, Basilio was also gone. When
she found Crispin's clothes soaked with blood, she became lunatic. At the end of
the novel, Basilio grievously mourns for his mother as he found her dying under
the tree.
Dona Pia Alba
The mother of Maria Clara and the wife of kapitan Tiyago. She symbolizes our
country which ceaselessly gives in to foreign power.
Capitan Tiyago or Don Santíago de los Santos. He is the known father of Maria
Clara. He is very biased and is only obedient to those who are higher in rank
than him. He is the only son of a wealthy trader in Malabon but did not attain
any formal education. He became a servant of a Dominican priest. His wife was
Doña Pía Alba, who came from another wealthy family. Because of their
consistent devotion to Santa Clara in Obando, they were blessed with a daughter
who shared the same features as Padre Dámaso, named Maria Clara.
He was close to the priests and always invited the parish curate to every formal
dinner. He always supported tax increases whenever the local officials wished.
That was the reason he obtained the title of gobernadorcillo, the highest
government position that a non-Spaniard could have in the Philippines.
Fray Damaso- he symbolizes the Spanish friars of Rizal’s time. He represents religious
hypocrisy. He was the former curate of the parish church of San Diego. He was
the curate for almost twenty years before he was replaced by the much younger
Padre Salvi.
He is described to be a snobbish, ruthless and
judgmental extrovert. He always berates or criticizes other people around him-especially Ibarra.
Fray Salvi
he is interested in Maria Clara, he and fray Damaso devised a plan to break
Ibarra and Maria Clara apart.
Dona Victorina
her fanatical adulation of the Spaniards leads her to imitate the very actions and
attitude of the Spanish women. She symbolizes the Filipino in our society who
are ashamed of their own race and nationality. She depicts the alienated Filipino
women bent on marrying one with prestige and high station in life.
Don Tiburcio- Spanish husband of Donya Victorina who is limp and submissive
to his wife; he also pretends to be a doctor.
Dona Consolacion
a Filipino woman married to a Spaniard. Her very actions and way of dressing
will lead people to think that she was a whore. She was once a laundry woman
who worked for the town Alferez. She became wealthy after marrying a Spanish
husband. Despite that they are rivals with Donya Victorina.
Elias
He believes that justice can be obtained only through revolution—he symbolizes
the very root of the Filipino culture before the coming of the Spaniards, which
remained strong and unbroken by the SpaniardsHe was shot by the guards
(mistakenly took as Ibarra trying to dive down the river and escape) and slowly
died.
Pilosopong Tasyo or Don Anastacio he is a wise man. He embodies the intelligent
people who never left the country but instead educated themselves in a religious
institution. His mother let him be formally educated, then abruptly ordered him
to stop. She feared Tasyo would become "too educated" and lose his faith and
devotion to religion. Most of his time was taken up in reading and buying books
that all his properties were lost and he became poor.
Crispin and Basilio
children of Sisa who represent Filipino children of abused and broken dreams.
E.
Summary of "El filibusterismo"
Set thirteen years after Crisostomo Ibarra, the main character in 'Noli Me Tangere,' left
the Philippines, a mysterious jeweler named Simoun returns to the Philippines on board the
steamer Tabo. The all powerful Simoun with his beard and his blue tinted eyeglasses is a friend
of the Spanish government, being an advisor to the Governor General of the Philippines. On the
outside, he is a good friend of Spain, but in his heart, he is planning revenge in opposition to the
Spanish atrocities in the Philippines. This is for the reason that Simoun, who in reality is
Crisostomo Ibarra, is fueled by revenge and his fixation to instigate a revolution against Spain
and to rescue his beloved Maria Clara from the convent.
As the story progresses, Simoun meets characters which he will manipulate to achieve his
end. His true identity is eventually discovered by Basilio while he visits his mother’s grave. Basilio
is now a medical student under the patronage of Capitan Tiago. Simoun shows mercy to Basilio
by sparing his life and by asking the latter to join his planned revolution. Basilio refuses the offer
despite Simoun’s taunts about his family’s misfortunes.
The jeweler also manipulates the band of bandits headed by Kabesang Tales, who also
suffers misfortunes under the friars. Simoun also manipulates the Chinese Quiroga into smuggling
firearms and weapons using his store as a front. Meanwhile, Basilio supports the establishment
of a Spanish language school to help the students read and learn the language to the great
opposition of the Dominican friars. Simoun is now gearing up for the revolution which he
immediately calls to a halt, upon learning of the death of Maria Clara earlier that day.
The rejected students which fought for the establishment of a Spanish academy hold a
mock celebration in a panciteria (noodle cafe) where a friar spy witnesses the event. Several of
the students and Basilio are imprisoned notwithstanding the latter’s absence during the
celebration. Conversely, Juli, Basilio’s girlfriend commits suicide after Padre Camorra tries to rape
her. Basilio is left in prison while many of the students are released. Basilio is subsequently
released with Simoun’s help, and after learning of Juli’s suicide he joins Simoun’s revolution.
Simoun eventually tells Basilio of his plan to exterminate the highest officials of the
Philippines who will be attending the wedding of Paulita Gomez and Juanito Pelaez. The explosive
is masqueraded as a beautiful kerosene lamp. Once out of fuel, it will be lighted again and will
eventually explode. During the wedding, Simoun gives the newlyweds the lamp and leaves the
reception early leaving a note. The note is later found out to be signed in the name of Crisostomo
Ibarra.
With a change of heart, Basilio informs his friend Isagani about the plan. Isagani, being
a former boyfriend of Paulita Gomez steals the lamp and throws it into the river. He also escapes
by diving into the river while being pursued by the Guardia Civil. The note is left behind and it is
confirmed by Padre Salvi that it was truly written by Ibarra.
Simoun’s real identity is discovered later on and he is pursued by the Guardia Civil. Being
fatally wounded, he seeks refuge in the house of Padre Florentino, Isagani’s uncle. Simoun reveals
his identity to the priest and has a discussion about the failure of the revolution. Simoun eventually
dies and Padre Florentino throws his treasures into the Pacific Ocean with the hope that the
treasure will surface once the nation truly deserves its independence.
El Filibusterismo shows the maturity of Jose Rizal as a writer. The novel, with its tale
of revenge runs off from Noli Me Tangere’s central theme of love and martyrdom. El
Filibusterismo, although more than a hundred years old still finds application in a society where
tyrants and corruption reign.
El Filibusterismo and its characters
El Filibusterismo literally means the revolution. It suggests the macabre. In the mid-19th
century, a person tagged as filibustero is marked for death. To a Spaniard the word filibustero
means a traitor or double-faced person. Legally, it pertains to one guilty of treasonous act against
the state In Latin America, a filibustero is one who engages in inciting insurrection.
Greed for power is the moving force in El Filibusterismo. The first part of El Fili the showed
the steamer Tabo that symbolizes the Philippine society showing its social and economic strata
as determined by one’s capacity to pay fare. The wealthy occupying the upper deck and the
poverty stricken, the lower deck. The pattern of inequality is established in the novel. Even today,
the social stratifications pointed out by Dr. Rizal a hundred years ago, still persist.
Rizal spoke through his characters. Simoun is the main character of the novel. He returns to
avenge the injustices he and his father suffered from government and church officials. Kabesang
tales represents the peasants and their lands. This simple, hardworking and a peace-loving man
is alter is transformed into feared outlaw, Matanglawin. The ineffectual educational system is
made plain in the capabilities of the students Isagani, Basilio, Placido, Penitente, Juanito Pelaez
and among others. Simoun incites the people’s sufferings to take up arms against the
government.
The climax of the story is reached in a wedding reception, when the lamp, Simoun’s
gift to Paulita and Juanito Pelaez, dims. Unknown to many, this was the sign of the start of the
revolution. The book is dedicated to the three martyr priests.
The Dedication of the El Filibusterismo
“ To the memory of the priests Don mariano Gomez (85 years
old), Don Jose Burgos (30 years old), and Don Jacinto Zamora (35
years old). Executed in Bagumbayan filed on the 28 of February,
1871.”
“ Let it be understood that everyone who without clear proofs
attacks your memory, stains his hands in your blood.”
The characters:
Simoun
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he is Juan Crisostomo of Noli Me Tangere in disguise. Outwardly, he is a friend
of Spain, but deep in his heart, he is bitter and ruthless, secretly planning a
revolution against he Spanish authorities.
Basilio
he is the son of Sisa. A very promising medical student. At first he refuses to join
Simoun’s plan of overthrowing the Spanish government; in this, he represents
the young educated Filipinos who are apathetic to the needs of the society.
Isagani
he is the nephew of Padre Florentino and the lover of Paulita Gomez. He was
disheartened and let go of his ideals in favor of personal gains. He symbolizes
the youth who, despite their being very aggressive and idealistic, cannot be
relied on in times of adversity.
Senor Pasta
he is an old Filipino lawyer who refuses to help the Filipino students in their
clamor for educational reform. He represents the part of the society that is only
generous and sympathetic to the rich and powerful.
Placido Penitente and Pecson
they are the students who asked for educational reforms. They represent the
people who have yet to cultivate their nationalistic attitude.
Father Irene
he is a kind of friar who is a friend of the Filipino students. Supports the students
who appeal to the government for an academy of Spanish language. He
embodies the few Spaniards who are sympathetic to the Filipinos.
Father Florentino
He is a retired scholarly and patriotic Filipino priest. He believes that the
Philippines will have its freedom.
Kabesang Tales
Juli’s father. He is known as “matanglawin”. The friars dispossessed him of his
land; in real life, Rizal’s father met the same fate. He symbolizes the natives and
farmers whose land was sized by the friars. His story presents the cause of the
revolution.
Juli
-Basilio’s sweetheart. Chose death over the loss of honor and dignity. She represents the
Philippines, which would rather suffer with pride and honor.
Paulita Gomez
- The beautiful niece of Dona Victoria. She rejected Isagani because of his liberal
ideas. She represents the women who have no sense of nationalism and
sympathy towards others.
VIII. Rizal’s Educational Legacies
“ The school is the root of any social organization. The school is the book in which is recorded the
future of the nation. The school of a people will reveal what they are”.
The importance of the school system is acknowledged. Another deplorable aspect of the
colonial government was the poor administration and ineffective supervision of the
educational system in the country. Rizal in his Noli depicted the plight if the educational
system. The town situation was pitiful.
“In San Diego before Ibarra’s return, there was no school building. The schoolmaster in
the Noli had to use a portion of the ground floor of the parish house beside the carriage of
the priest as a schoolroom. Under these circumstances, not much learning was accomplished,
to the delight of father Damaso. The schoolmaster was limited by the curriculum prescribed
by the parish priest and cautioned against teaching the pupils the Spanish language. Added
to his difficulties was the prejudice against educating the people. Out of 200 children listed,
only 25 came to class regularly (Noli, p 96)
A. The right to education is a fundamental human right
 The right to education is now enshrined in the historic Universal Declaration of Human
Rights to which the Philippines is one of the original signatories. It proclaims the value of
the human person and the right of everyone to education that would enable him to
develop his creative powers to the full benefit of all and in the cause of progress.
It asserts that:
1) Education shall be free at least in the elementary and fundamental stages
2) Elementary education shall be compulsory
3) Technical and professional education shall be made generally available
4) Higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
5) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the
strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
6) It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or
religious groups and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance
of peace.
B. The Education of the People is Rizal’s supreme aspiration
1.
Even if the Philippines were a colony of Spain, the Filipinos could make their
progress through wise education.
2. Rizal believed that the cause of our backwardness and ignorance is the lack of
means of education. We are all human and we can improve ourselves through
education and culture.
3. Rizal pointed out there is an innate desire in man to cultivate his intellect.
4.
Ferdinand Marcos shares Rizal educational view on man’s duty to seek perfection.
Marcos believed that man is still the most challenging subject of man’s own study;
self-examination is still man’s most rewarding pursuit. Socrates contended “an
unexamined life is not worth living.” He advised his students to start with selfknowledge. “know thyself’, that is to evaluate one’s weaknesses and strength
before attempting to understand man, society, polity and the universe.
C. The Values of Education according to Rizal
1.) Our government is committed to giving everyone an opportunity to get an education because
it promotes individual and national progress.
2.) Wise education is the mother of virtues.
3.) When education is complete and true, there is no human suffering we cannot overcome.
4.) Rizal’s educational philosophy places great emphasize on virtues. True virtue is modest and
simple. True Christian virtue is the only true virtue, humanitarian, universal, humbly heroic,
which the son of God bequeathed to men as a symbol of peace…for the ills not only of the
community, people or race but of all mankind.
5.) Rizal’s great interest in the development of virtues is in line with the constitutional provision
that all educational institution shall develop moral character.
6.) The first step in carrying out Rizal’s educational philosophy depends on mothers. Rizal
appealed to all mothers to do their best in educating their children because they are the ones
who open the eyes of the young.
D. Rizal put emphasize on the role of students.
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The second step in the execution of Rizal’s educational philosophy revolves on
students. The 1973 constitution imposes on every Filipino the duty of
contributing to the development and welfare of the state.
The first duty then of the citizen is to educate himself so that he may be prepared
to carry out his duties.
Life is a serious thing, wrote Rizal to a young nephew, and only those with
intelligence and heart to go through it worthily. “To live is to be among men and
to be among men is to struggle”. On this battlefield (of struggle) man has no
better weapon than his intellect, no other force but his heart. Sharpen, perfect,
polish then your mind and fortify and educate the heart.
In developing the mind and educating the heart, Rizal stressed the importance
of seriousness in studies. He firmly believed that that if knowledge is the heritage
of mankind, only the brave inherit it. Knowledge of a thing prepares one for its
mastery.
E.
The role of teachers according to Rizal
 Teacher plays a very important role on value orientation and inculcation of the
youths. Since values are caught not taught, teachers must exemplify dignity, selfreliance and self-respect if they are to transmit the same to their students.
 Teaching is a noble profession but Rousseau says, “…a man cannot think of noble
ideas if he is preoccupied with earning a living”.
 Modern educational practices call for a wholesome classroom atmosphere. The
relation between the pupils and the professor must be harmonious and be based on
respect for human dignity.
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Corporal punishment has no place in the classroom for it destroy kindness
Characteristics that a teacher must possess.
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4.
One who would teach should be better than the persons who need her learning.
The good teacher must have an honorable personality in order to command
respect from the pupils or students.
In order to maintain authority, the teacher needs prestige, reputation, moral
strength and some freedom of action.
The best teacher must be one who teaches by example.
“ the children lost their respect for their teacher when they see him badly used, and unable to
assert his rights. If the teacher is to be listened to, if his authority is to be beyond question, he needs
prestige, a good name, moral authority, a certain freedom.”
F.
Rizal’s Ideas on Education in Relation to the Role of the
Government
1. Rizal asked the government to solve the problems of education.
 Rizal pleaded to the Spanish authorities to solve the educational problems
of the country.
 Rizal’s suggestion for the government then to study and solve the problems
of education is the same wish, which our people have their leaders of today.
2 . Rizal believes that the school is the basis of society.
 A school is being founded, and the school is the basis of society. The school
is the book in which is written the future of the nations. Show us the schools
of a people and we would show you what the people are. Rizal believes that
progress as possible only through education.
3 . Rizal’s wished the education of the masses.
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The new society, through the Educational Development Decree of
1972,gives emphasis on the education of the masses. Our educational
system, says the decree, aims to provide for a broad general education that
will assist each individual, in the particular ecology of his society, to attain
his potential as a human being.
4 .Rizal’s battled for primary education.
 Primary education is fundamental in the education of the masses. The
Universal declaration of the Human Rights asserts that education should be
free at least in the elementary and fundamental stages.
5 . Rizal advocated vocational education.
 Rizal was very interested in vocational education. Today our government is
giving emphasis on vocational education in line with the objects of the new
society to make the citizen productive.
6 . Rizal believed in the usefulness of science.
 Rizal’s great interest in science and it’s usefulness was expressed by him in
an article: “It is our duty to follow the dreary but peaceful paths of science
which lead to progress and thence to the union desired by Jesus Christ’s
and prayed for on the night of his sorrows.
7 . .Rizal believed in academic freedom.
 All institutions of higher learning, according to the 1973 Constitution, shall
enjoy academic freedom. Rizal said: “Knowledge ought to be free and the
professor as well”.
8 . Rizal emphasized the great importance of personal discipline.
 Personal discipline is basic to individual and national progress. Primarily, it
calls for good judgment and self-control.
9. Rizal pointed to the need of fulfilling our duties.
 Loyalty to the Republic, honoring the Filipino flag, defending the state,
contributing to it’s development and welfare, upholding the Constitution and
obeying it’s laws, cooperating with the duly constituted authorities in the
attainment of a just and orderly society are duties and obligations of every
Filipino citizen.
10 . Rizal believed in man’s duty to respect the rights of others.
 The principle of respecting the rights of others in an obligation of every
Filipino citizen, according to the 1973 Constitutions, which states:
1.) Do not try to have best in everything. Do the best
for others.
2.) Let us not be hasty in our judgment, but let us
think well of our fellowmen.
3.) In order to reach the condition when justice rules and man is a citizen of
the world…it is necessary that man go about freely, that he knows how to
respect the rights of others in their own individuality.
12. Rizal would stimulate arts and letters.
 I would stimulate these Philippine studies which are like the know thyself that
gives the true concepts of one’s self and drive nations to do great things.
13. Rizal believed in an education that meets the demands of modern times.
 The purpose of this college, according to Rizal, is to form and educate men of
good families in accordance with the demands of modern times and
circumstances.
IDEALISM IN THE POETRY and LETTERS
According to Antonio Luna, a friend of Rizal and director of La Independencia, “Rizal‘s
poetic star was revealed when he was only eight years old with a poetical composition which was the
object of admiration of the Tagalog poets of the province.”
A. Rizal’s quotable quotes
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there can be no tyrants where there are no slaves
I wish to show those who deny us patriotism that we know how to die for our country and
convictions
( inscribed at Fort Santiago)
Ignorance is servitude, because as a man thinks, so he is, a man who does not think for himself and
allowed himself to be guided by the thought of another is like the beast led by a halter –(Letter to
the young Women of Malolos)
Law has no skin , reason has no nostrils –(The Philippines: A century Hence)
The tyranny of some is possible only through the cowardice of others –(Letter to the young women
of Malolos –translated by Gregorio Zaide)
A government that rules a country from a great distance is the one that has the most need for a free
press more so even that the government of the home country.(The Philippines : A- century Hence)
No good water comes from muddy spring. No sweet fruit comes from a bitter seed- (letter to the
young women of Malolos.
Youth is a flower-bed that is to bear rich fruit must accumulate wealth for its descendant – ( letter
to the young women of Malolos)
Maturity is the fruit of infancy and the infant is formed in the lap of its mother – (letter to the young
women of Malolos).
A tree that grows in the mud is unsubstantial and good only for firewood- ( letter to the young
women of Malolos )
Filipinos don’t realize that victory is the child of struggle, that joy blossoms from suffering and
redemption is product of sacrifice.
Man works for an object. Remove that object and you reduce him into inaction ( Indolence of
Filipino- La Solidaridad- 1890)
One only die once and if one does not die well, a good opportunity is lost and will not present itself
again.—( letter to Mariano Ponce- 1890)
All men are born equal, naked without bond. God did not create man to be slave ,nor did he endow
him with intelligence to have him hoodwinked or adorn him with reason to have him deceived by
others ( Letter to the young women of Malolos)
Without education and liberty which are the soil and the sun of man, no reform is possible, no
measure can give the result desired.(Indolence of the Filipinos – La Solidaridad)
I die when I see the dawn break through the gloom of night to herald the day , And if color is
lacking my blood thou shall take Pour ‘d out at need for thy dear sake , To dye with its crimson the
walking ray ‘ My last farewell- 1896
“To foretell the destiny of a nation it is necessary to open the book that tells of her past”- Jose
Rizal, Quote inscribed in Fort Santiago).
“Believing in chance is the same as believing in miracles. Both situations presuppose that God
does not know the future. What is chance? An event no one has foreseen. What is a miracle? A
contradiction, an undermining of natural laws. Lack of foresight and contradiction in the
intelligence that governs the world machine means two great imperfections.” I have had to believe
a great deal in God because I have lost my belief in men,”-Elias
B. Leading Poems
Sa Aking Mga Kabata
- Written by Rizal when he was eight-year old. He expressed his wish that native tongue
should be cherished and enriched. He felt that at an early age some of his countrymen
have developed a colonial mentality to the prejudice of our native language. Besides
praising nationalism, liberty and freedom, he advocated racial equality
Kapag ang baya’y sadyang umibig
Sa kanyang salitang kaloob ng langit
Sariling kalaya’y nais rin magamit
Katulad ng ibong nasa himpapawi
- Rizal scorns those who refused to love their native language when he said:
Ang hindi magmahal sa sariling wika
higit pa ang amoy sa malansang isda
- he expressed his wish that the native tongue should be cherished and enriched:
kaya’t ang ang marapat pagyamaning kusa
na katulad sa inang tunay na nagpala
- Apparently Rizal at an early age already felt that some of his countrymen have developed
a colonial mentality to the prejudice of our native languages.
Ang wikang tagalog tulad din sa latin,
Sa ingles, kastila at salitang anghel
Sapagkat ang poong maalam tumingin
Ang siyang naggawad, nagbigay sa atin
Ang salita nati’y huwad rin sa iba
Na may alfabeto at sariling letra
Kaya nawala’y dinatnan ng signos
Ang lumbay sa lawa noong daking una.
Education Gives Luster to the Motherland
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Rizal expressed his thoughts on education through this poem. He hoped his countrymen to seek
knowledge in order to live a life of enlightenment which would make the country rise to the
heights of honor and prestige. He pictured education as the foundation of knowledge which gives
endless glory:
Wise education, vital breath
Inspires an enchanting virtue
She puts the country in the lofty seat
Of endless glory, of dazzling glow
And just as the gentle aura’s puff
Do brighten the perfumed flowers’ hue
So education with a wise guiding hand,
A benefactress exalts the human hand.
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Rizal urges his fellow students to educate themselves because wise education give
birth to sciences and arts. Through wise education, the youth is directed along the
path of righteousness and goodness:
Where wise education raises, a throne
Sprightly youth are invigorated
Who with firm stand error they subdue
And with noble ideas are exalted
It breaks immorality’s neck
Contemptible crime before it is halted;
It humbles barbarous nations
And it makes of savages champion
To the Filipino Youth (a La Juventud Filipina)
- Through this poem, Rizal inspired the youth to develop their talents, look forward and
break the chain of their bondage. He called them “ Bella Esperanza de la Patria Mia” (“
Fair hope of my motherland”).He wanted to shake off the belief the belief among the
Filipinos that the white man was superior to them. He urged the youth to develop their
talents and find out what genius would be proclaimed throughout the world for having
served the country:
Run! For genius sacred flame
Awaits the artist’s crowning
Spreading far and wide the fame
Through out the sphere proclaiming
With trumpet the mortal’s name.
To the Flowers of Heidelberg
- He wrote this poem on April 24, 1886. Fascinated by the beauty of German spring and a
feeling of nostalgia, Rizal found inspiration in the beauty of the blooming flowers and
fragrance of the woods. Rizal ended his poem by begging the flowers to bestow on the
Philippines and those he loved the kisses he gave to the flowers:
When upon the shore you alight,
The kiss on you I press
Place it on the wings of breeze
That is may go with its flight
And kiss all that I love, adore and caress
Hymn to Labor
- He wrote this poem before his second departure for Europe on February 3, 1888. He
extolled man’s labor and industry, singing praise to labor, of the country, wealth and vigor.
He awakened the youth to worthy of their elders by following their footsteps
Teach us ye the laborious work
To pursue your footsteps we wish,
For tomorrow when country calls us
We may able you task to finish
- he also stressed the role of labor in keeping up the dignity of man, keeping the family
happy and the country strong:
For the labor of man sustains
Family home and Motherland
My Retreat
- Rizal wrote this during his four-year exile in Dapitan at the request of his mother how he
lived there. It is a sentimental poem describing his home and life in Dapitan
It is my faithful friend, which hurts me ne’er
Which when it sees me and always consoles my soul
which in my sleepless night watches me with pray’r
with me, and in my exile dwells in my sylvan lair
it alone infuses me with faith when I’m doubted by all
The song of the traveler
- On Dec. 17, 1895, Rizal wrote Gov-general Ramon Blanco of his desire to serve as military
doctor of the Spanish army in Cuba. He wrote this poem because of his thought of traveling
again. He felt he will die in foreign shores (Cuba) unremembered by his country for which
he greatly suffered:
Perhaps in the desert a grave he’ll find
Of tranquility a refuge sweet;
Unremembered by his country and the world
He’ll rest in peace after suffering great
- He ended his poem by giving himself the push—-a stronger will to travel. He left to others
the love and joys of his native land.
Go traveler proceed on your way
In your own native land a stranger thou art;
Leave thou to others the songs of love
To others the joys; you again depart.
Go, traveler, don’t turn back your face
For no one shall weep as you say adieu
Go traveler and drown your sorrows all,
For your grief the world simply mocks at you
My Last Farewell (Mi ultimo Adios)
This last poem of Rizal was untitled and unsigned. The title Last farewell was given by
Mariano Ponce when he read the copy of the poem. This poem was put in a little alcohol
cooking stove and lamp and was given by Rizal to his sister on the eve of his execution
Dec. 29, 1896. In the last stanza of the poem, Rizal bid goodbye to those people who
were closed to him:
Farewell, parents, brothers, beloved by me
Friends of my childhood, in the home distressed;
Give thanks that now I rest from the wearisome day
Farewell, sweet stranger, my friend, who brightened my way
Farewell to all I love. To die is to rest.
C. The unfinished novel
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Makamisa is an unfinished novel written by José Rizal. The novel has only one chapter. It runs
for only ten pages and is handwritten with orthographic ancillary glyphs. Although written in a
different language, its style, characterization and setting mirror those of Rizal's two previous
works, Noli me tangere and El filibusterismo which he wrote in Spanish. The original manuscript
was found by historian Ambeth Ocampo in 1987 while he was going through a 245-page collection
of papers. This draft was written in pure, vernacular Tagalog and has no written direct signature
or date of inscription.
D.Letter of Jose Rizal to young women of Malolos: Summary and Analysis
Jose Rizal’s legacy to Filipino women is embodied in his famous essay entitled,
“To the Young Women of Malolos,” where he addresses all kinds of women –
mothers, wives, the unmarried, etc. and expresses everything that he wishes them to keep
in mind.
NOTE: Rizal wrote this famous letter in Tagalog, while he was residing in London, upon
the request of M. H. del Pilar. The story behind this letter is this: On December 12, 1888,
a group of twenty young women of Malolos petitioned Governor-General Weyler for
permission to open a “night school” so that they might study Spanish under Teodoro
Sandiko. Fr. Felipe Garcia, the Spanish parish priest, objected to the proposal. Therefore
the governor-general turned down the petition. However, the young women, in defiance
of the friar’s wrath, bravely continued their agitation for the school – a thing unheard of
in the Philippines in those times. They finally succeeded in obtaining government
approval to their project on the condition that Señora Guadalupe Reyes should be their
teacher. The incident caused a great stir in the Philippines and in far-away Spain. Del
Pilar, writing in Barcelona on February 17, 1889, requested Rizal to send a letter in
Tagalog to the brave women of Malolos. Accordingly, Rizal, although busy in London
annotating Morga’s book penned this famous letter and sent it to Del Pilar on February
22, 1889 for transmittal to Malolos. (This document was taken from José Rizal: Life, Works
and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist and Naional Heroby Gregorio F. Zaide and Sonia M.
Zaide (Manila: National Book Store).
ANALYSIS: “To the Women of Malolos” centers around five salient points (Zaide &Zaide, 1999):
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Filipino mothers should teach their children love of God, country and fellowmen.
Filipino mothers should be glad and honored, like Spartan mothers, to offer their sons in defense of
their country.
Filipino women should know how to protect their dignity and honor.
Filipino women should educate themselves aside from retaining their good racial values.
Faith is not merely reciting prayers and wearing religious pictures. It is living the real Christian
way with good morals and manners.
RIZAL’S MESSAGE TO FILIPINO WOMEN
Jose Rizal was greatly impressed by the fighting spirit that the young women of Malolos
had shown. In his letter, he his ultimate desire was for women to be offered the same
opportunities as those received by men in terms of education. He emphasized on freedom of
thought and the right to education, which must be granted to both boys and girls alike.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF FILIPINO MOTHERS TO THEIR CHILDREN
Rizal stipulates a number of important points in this portion of his letter to the young
women of Malolos. The central idea here is that the mother has a great influence on their
children of what they will become.
QUALITIES MOTHERS HAVE TO POSSESS
Rizal enumerates the qualities Filipino mothers have to possess: Be a noble wife, rear her
children in the service of the state – here Rizal gives reference to the women of Sparta who
embody this quality.
RIZAL’S ADVICE TO UNMARRIED MEN AND WOMEN
Jose Rizal points out to unmarried women that they should not be easily taken by
appearances and looks because these can be very deceiving. Instead, they should take heed
of men’s firmness of character and lofty ideas. Rizal further adds that there are three things
that a young woman must look for a man she intends to be her husband: a noble and honored
name, a manly heart and a high spirit.